THE grieving family of brave Birmingham soldier Joe Murphy today hailed him a hero, but said he was too young to die.

They spoke as they prepared to receive his body which was being flown back to the UK along with the bodies of seven other British soldiers killed in the army’s bloodiest 24 hours in Afghanistan.

His dad, Brian, said: “He’s a hero and so are all the other lads.”

His aunt, Annette Ryan, said: “He was too young. “There were three of them that were 18 and perhaps they shouldn’t have been there.”

Just two years ago talented artist Joe, from Castle Bromwich, was picking up an A* in art GCSE and today his family displayed his work, including a haunting self-portrait.

The body of Corporal Jonathan Horne, aged 28, from Walsall, was also being flown back to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

Three months ago he was back home when his wife, Rachel, gave birth to his second child, Jessica.

Today, as the debate continues over whether British troops are properly equipped, his brother, Peter, said more should be done.

“Jonathan was looking in magazines to buy stuff to take with him like better sleeping bags and vests – stuff that should have been provided for him.”

A third Midland soldier, Rifleman William Aldridge, aged 18, from Bromyard, Herefordshire, was also among the dead eight soldiers.

Thousands are expected to line the streets of Wootton Bassett, near RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, to watch the mens’ cortege – the largest yet to drive through the market town.

Before leaving for today’s ceremony, Rifleman Murphy’s family opened their hearts to talk of their grief.